Signal Indication for Flexible New Radio (NR) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Coexistence

ABSTRACT

A New Radio (NR) control signal that indicates one or more Long Term Evolution (LTE) network parameters may be transmitted to NR UEs to enable the NR UEs to identify which resources carry LTE signal(s). The NR UEs may then receive one or more NR downlink signals over remaining resources in a set of resources without processing those resources that carry LTE signal(s). The NR downlink signals may have a zero power level, or otherwise be blanked, over resources that carry the LTE signal(s).

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/860,334 filed on Jan. 2, 2018 and entitled “Signal Indication forFlexible New Radio (NR) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Coexistence,” whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/442,852 filedon Jan. 5, 2017 and entitled “Signal Indication for Flexible New Radio(NR) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Coexistence,” all of which applicationsare hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunications, and inparticular embodiments, to systems and methods for Signal Indication forFlexible New Radio (NR) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Coexistence.

BACKGROUND

New Radio (NR) is a proposed Fifth Generation (5G) wirelesstelecommunication protocol that will offer unified connectivity forsmartphones, cars, utility meters, wearables and other wirelesslyenabled devices. 5G NR wireless networks may have the capability todynamically re-purpose unused bandwidth of Fourth Generation (4G) LongTerm Evolution (LTE) wireless networks. In this way, NR and LTE airinterfaces may coexist over the same spectrum.

SUMMARY

Technical advantages are generally achieved, by embodiments of thisdisclosure which describe techniques for a unifying message to supportSignal Indication for Flexible New Radio (NR) Long Term Evolution (LTE)Coexistence.

In accordance with an embodiment, a method for receiving signals isprovided. In this embodiment, the method includes receiving a New Radio(NR) control signal indicating a Long Term Evolution (LTE) networkparameter, determining, based on the LTE network parameter, a subset ofresources carrying LTE signal(s), and receiving an NR downlink signalover one or more remaining resources in a set of resources. In oneexample, the set of resources include resources that are allocated tothe UE. In the same example, or in another example, the set of resourcesinclude control resource sets configured to the UE. In any one of thepreceding examples, or in another example, the NR downlink signal israte matched around the subset of resources carrying the LTE signal(s).In any one of the preceding examples, or in another example, the NRdownlink signal is rate matched at the resource element (RE) level suchthat the subset of resources around which the NR downlink signal is ratematched consists of an integer number of resource elements (REs). In anyone of the preceding examples, or in another example, the NR controlsignal indicates an LTE antenna port. In such an example, determiningthe subset of resources carrying LTE signal(s) may include determiningthat the subset of resources includes resources carrying LTE referencesignal(s) based on an LTE cell-specific reference signal (CRS) patternassociated with the LTE antenna port. In any one of the precedingexamples, or in another example, the NR control signal indicates afrequency offset. In such an example, determining the subset ofresources carrying LTE signal(s) may include determining that the subsetof resources includes resources carrying LTE reference signal(s) basedon the frequency offset. In any one of the preceding examples, or inanother example, the NR control signal indicates a number of OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) symbols in an LTE control channel.In such an example, receiving the NR downlink signal over one or moreremaining resources in the set of resources my include adjusting thestart time for receiving an NR downlink signal for a period of timecorresponding to the number of OFDM symbols in the LTE control channel.In any one of the preceding examples, or in another example, the NRcontrol signal indicates an LTE Multicast-Broadcast Single-FrequencyNetwork (MBSFN) configuration. In such an example, determining thesubset of resources carrying LTE signal(s) may include determining thatthe subset of resources includes resources carrying LTE MBSFN referencesignal(s) based on the LTE MBSFN configuration. In any one of thepreceding examples, or in another example, the NR control signalindicates an LTE Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS)configuration. In such an example, determining the subset of resourcescarrying LTE signal(s) may include determining that the subset ofresources includes resources carrying LTE CSI-RS signal(s) based on theLTE CSI-RS configuration. In any one of the preceding examples, or inanother example, receiving the NR downlink signal includes receiving oneor more NR downlink signal(s) over the one or more remaining resources,where the one or more NR downlink signals have zero power levels overthe subset of resources carrying the LTE signal(s). In such an example,the one or more NR downlink signals may include an NR signal transmittedover a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), an NR control signaltransmitted over a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), an NRprimary or secondary synchronization signal, an NR broadcast signaltransmitted over an NR Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), or acombination thereof. In any one of the preceding examples, or in anotherexample, the NR control signal is received over an NR downlink physicalcontrol channel. In any one of the preceding examples, or in anotherexample, the NR control signal is received over an NR physical broadcastchannel (PBCH). In any one of the preceding examples, or in anotherexample, the NR control signal is included in remaining minimum systeminformation (RMSI). In any one of the preceding examples, or in anotherexample, the NR control signal is conveyed by a higher-layer RadioResource Control (RRC) signal. In any one of the preceding examples, orin another example, the NR control signal is conveyed by a Media AccessControl (MAC) control element (CE). In any one of the precedingexamples, or in another example, the NR control signal is conveyed by acombination of higher-layer Radio Resource Control (RRC) signal and aMedia Access Control (MAC) control element (CE). An apparatus forperforming this method is also provided.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of transmitting signalsis provided. In this embodiment, the method includes receiving a NewRadio (NR) control signal indicating a Long Term Evolution (LTE) networkparameter, determining, based on the LTE network parameter, a subset ofresources carrying, or otherwise reserved for, LTE signal(s), andtransmitting an NR uplink signal over one or more remaining resources ina set of resources without transmitting the NR uplink signal over thesubset of resources carrying, or otherwise reserved for, the LTEsignal(s). In one example, the set of resources are allocated to the UE.In the same example, or in another example, the set of resources includeresources configured for uplink control signals. In any one of thepreceding examples, or in another example, the NR uplink signal is ratematched around the subset of resources carrying, or otherwise reservedfor, the LTE signal. In any one of the preceding examples, or in anotherexample, determining the subset of resources carrying LTE signal(s) mayinclude determining that at least some resources in the subset ofresources are reserved for LTE Random Access Channel (RACH)transmissions based on the LTE network parameter in the NR controlsignal. In any one of the preceding examples, or in another example,determining the subset of resources carrying LTE signal(s) may includedetermining that at least some resources in the subset of resourcescarry LTE sounding reference signal (SRS) symbols based on the LTEnetwork parameter in the NR control signal. In any one of the precedingexamples, or in another example, determining the subset of resourcescarrying LTE signal(s) may include determining that at least someresources in the subset of resources carry LTE data signal transmittedover an NR physical uplink channel (PUSCH) or an NR control signaltransmitted over an NR physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) based onthe LTE network parameter in the NR control signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, and the advantagesthereof, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment wireless communications network;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a spectrum configured for the coexistence of NRand LTE air interfaces;

FIGS. 3A-3C are diagrams of LTE reference signal patterns for differentLTE antenna port configurations;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a spectrum configured for the coexistence of airinterfaces associated with two different network types;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment method for transmitting orreceiving an NR signal over LTE resources;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another spectrum configured for the coexistenceof NR and LTE air interfaces;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a spectrum in which different frequency domainresources are allocated to NR and LTE air interfaces;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a spectrum in which different time domainresources are allocated to the NR and LTE air interfaces;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of another spectrum in which different time domainresources are allocated to the NR and LTE air interfaces;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a spectrum in which different length TTIs areused to transmit LTE and/or NR signals;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of another spectrum configured for the coexistenceof NR and LTE air interfaces;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of yet another spectrum configured for thecoexistence of NR and LTE air interfaces;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment processing system forperforming methods described herein; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a transceiver adapted to transmit andreceive signals over a telecommunications network according to exampleembodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The structure, manufacture and use of embodiments are discussed indetail below. It should be appreciated, however, that this disclosureprovides many applicable claimed concepts that can be embodied in a widevariety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed aremerely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the claimedconcepts, and do not limit the claimed concepts.

It should be appreciated that “LTE signal(s)” refers to anysignal(s)transmitted according to the LTE family of telecommunicationprotocols, including (but not limited to) LTE data signal(s) transmittedover an LTE physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) or LTE physicaluplink shared channel (PU-SCH), LTE control signal(s) transmitted overan LTE physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or LTE enhanced PDCCH(ePDCCH) or LTE physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), and LTEreference signal(s) (e.g., channel state information reference signal(CSI-RS), common reference signal (CRS), demodulation reference symbols(DMRS), primary and secondary synchronization signal(s), etc.), as wellas LTE signal(s) communicated over an LTE Physical Broadcast Channel(PBCH), an LTE Radio Resource Control (RRC) higher layer protocol,and/or an LTE Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE). Likewise,“NR signal” refers to any signal transmitted according to the NR familyof telecommunication protocols, including (but not limited to) NR datasignal(s) transmitted over an NR PDSCH or NR PUSCH, NR control signal(s)transmitted over an NR PDCCH, or NR PUCCH, and NR reference signal(s),as well as other NR signal(s) communicated over an NR PBCH, an NR RRChigher layer protocol, and/or an NR MAC control element. As used herein,the term “NR control signal” may refer to any control signal transmittedaccording to the NR family of telecommunication protocols, including(but not limited to) RRC signal(s), MAC control elements (CEs), anddownlink control information (DCI), control signal(s) communicated overa PBCH, and remaining minimum system information (RMSI), as well as anyother cell-specific, group-specific, and/or UE-specific controlsignal(s). An RMSI may include specific minimum system information thatis not transmitted in the PBCH. The RMSI may be transmitted over aPDSCH. The PDSCH resources over which the RMSI is transmitted may beidentified by a DCI message transmitted over a common search space inthe PDCCH. The DCI message may be CRC is masked by a common RNTI, suchas a system information RNTI (SI-RNTI). The term “LTE network parameter”refers to any control or management information that can be used toidentify which resources carry LTE signal(s), including (but not limitedto) antenna port configuration, physical control channel formatindicator such as information carried in LTE PCFICH, frequency shift oroffset, LTE subframe configuration, MBSFN configuration, CSI RSconfiguration, reference signal resource element location, controlchannel resources, etc. It should be appreciated that the terms“signal”, “signal(s)”, and “signals” are used interchangeably throughoutto refer to one or more signals, and that none of those terms should beconstrued as referring to a single signal to the exclusion of multiplesignals, or to multiple signals to the exclusion of a single signal,unless otherwise specified.

Downlink data channel resources of an LTE subframe may go unused whenLTE network capacity exceeds spectrum demand of LTE user equipments(UEs), as may commonly occur in-between peak usage periods of the LTEnetwork. In some instances, 5G NR wireless networks may dynamicallyallocate unused data channel resources of an LTE subframe to 5G NR UEs.However, even when data channel resources of an LTE subframe are notbeing used to carry LTE signal(s), the LTE subframe may neverthelesscarry control and reference signal to LTE UEs. The LTE control andreference signal may interfere with the reception of an NR downlinktransmission by NR UEs if the resources carrying the LTEcontrol/reference signal are processed by the NR UEs. However, thenumber of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) symbols in aphysical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in an LTE subframe, as well asthe resource element (RE) locations that are used to carry referencesignal(s) in the LTE subframe, vary depending on the LTE subframeconfiguration. Accordingly, techniques for notifying NR UEs about whichresources carry LTE signal(s) are needed to achieve seamless coexistenceof the NR and LTE air interfaces.

Embodiments of this disclosure transmit NR control signal that indicatesone or more LTE network parameters to NR UEs to enable the NR UEs toidentify which resources carry LTE signal(s). The NR UEs may thenreceive one or more NR downlink signal(s) or channels over remainingresources in a set of resources. The set of resources may includegrant-based resources allocated to the UE and/or grant-free resourceswhich may be semi-statically configured to the UE. The NR downlinksignal(s) or channels may have a zero power level, or otherwise beblanked, over resources that carry the LTE signal(s). The NR downlinksignal(s) may include NR data or control channels, e.g. a NR PhysicalDownlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), a NR Physical Downlink Control Channel(PDCCH), an NR primary or secondary synchronization signal, a PhysicalBroadcast Channel (PBCH), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment,the NR control signal indicates an LTE antenna port, and the NR UEdetermines which resources carry LTE reference signal(s) based on an LTEcommon reference signal (CRS) pattern associated with the LTE antennaport. In such embodiments, the mapping of the LTE CRS patterns to LTEantenna ports may be a priori information of the NR UE. In anotherembodiment, the NR control signal indicates a control channel formatincluding a number of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM)symbols in an LTE subframe that are used to carry LTE control channel,e.g. PDCCH. In such embodiments, the NR UE may adjust a start time forprocessing an NR downlink signal or channel for a period of timecorresponding to the number of OFDM symbols in the LTE control channel.The time offset for adjusting the transmission time of the NR downlinksignal can be indicated in NR PDCCH. In another embodiment, the NRcontrol signal may indicate a frequency offset to adjust for frequencymisalignment due to different handling of DC subcarrier in NR and LTE orto provide cell-specific interference randomization benefits. In anotherembodiment, fractional PRBs may be used in NR to address potentialfrequency misalignment due to different handling of DC subcarriers inLTE and NR. In another embodiment, the NR control signal indicates anumber of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) symbols thatare occupied by LTE reference signal(s). In such embodiments, the NR UEmay skip the symbols corresponding to the number of OFDM symbols in theLTE symbols indicated by the NR control signal when processing an NRdownlink signal or transmitting a NR uplink signal. In anotherembodiment, NR demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) is mapped to a setof time-frequency resource elements (REs) that avoid LTE referencesignal(s). In yet another embodiment, the NR control signal indicates aphysical cell identifier (ID) of the base station, and the UE mayidentify resources carrying LTE reference signal based on a frequencyoffset associated with the physical cell ID.

In yet another embodiment, the NR control signal indicates an LTEMulticast-broadcast single-frequency network (MBSFN) configuration, andthe NR UE determines which resources carry LTE MBSFN reference signal(s)based on the LTE MBSFN configuration. In such embodiments, the mappingof resource elements to LTE MBSFN reference signal(s) for different LTEMBSFN configurations may be a priori information of the NR UE. In yetanother embodiment, the NR control signal indicates an LTE channel stateinformation reference signal (CSI-RS) configuration, and the NR UEdetermines which resources carry LTE CSI-RS signal (e.g., non-zero power(NZP) CSI-RS symbols) based on the LTE CSI-RS configuration. In suchembodiments, the mapping of resource elements to LTE CSI-RS signal(s)for different LTE CSI-RS configurations may be a priori information ofthe NR UE. The NR control signal may be NR layer one (L1) signal (e.g.,dynamic downlink control information (DCI) in an NR downlink physicalcontrol channel). Alternatively, the NR control signal that indicatesthe LTE parameter may be received over an NR broadcast channel. As yetanother alternative, the NR control signal that indicates the LTEparameter may be received over a higher-layer control channel, such as aUE-specific radio resource control (RRC) signal or media access control(MAC) control element.

It should be appreciated that NR control signal may be used to notify NRUEs of uplink resources that carry LTE signal(s). For example, an NR UEmay receive an NR control signal indicating an LTE parameter, determineresources that carry, or are otherwise reserved for, LTE uplinksignal(s) based on the LTE parameter, and then transmit an NR uplinksignal over one or more remaining resources in a set of resourceswithout transmitting the NR uplink signal over those resources thatcarry the uplink LTE signal(s). The NR control signal may identifyresources reserved for LTE Random Access Channel (RACH) uplinktransmissions, LTE sounding reference signal (SRS) symbols, physicaluplink shared channel (PUSCH), physical uplink control channel (PUCCH),or combinations thereof. These and other features are described ingreater detail below.

FIG. 1 is a network 100 for communicating data. The network 100comprises a base station no having a coverage area 101, a plurality ofUEs 120, and a backhaul network 130. As shown, the base station noestablishes uplink (dashed line) and/or downlink (dotted line)connections with the UEs 120, which serve to carry data from the UEs 120to the base station no and vice-versa. Data carried over theuplink/downlink connections may include data communicated between theUEs 120, as well as data communicated to/from a remote-end (not shown)by way of the backhaul network 13 o. As used herein, the term “basestation” refers to any component (or collection of components)configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as a basestation (BS) or transmit/receive point (TRP), a macro-cell, a femtocell,a Wi-Fi access point (AP), or other wirelessly enabled devices. Basestations may provide wireless access in accordance with one or morewireless communication protocols, e.g., 5th generation new radio(5G_NR), long term evolution (LTE), LTE advanced (LTE-A), High SpeedPacket Access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, etc. As used herein, theterm “UE” refers to any component (or collection of components) capableof establishing a wireless connection with a base station, such as 4G orfifth generation (5G) LTE UE, a NR UE, a mobile station (STA), and otherwirelessly enabled devices. In some embodiments, the network 100 maycomprise various other wireless devices, such as relays, low powernodes, etc.

Unused resources of a downlink LTE subframe can be re-allocated to carryNR downlink signal/data to one or more NR UEs. FIG. 2 is a diagram of aspectrum 200 configured for the coexistence of NR and LTE airinterfaces. A central portion 210 of the spectrum 200 is licensed forLTE signal(s), and outer portions 220 of the spectrum 200 are staticallyallocated for NR signal. As shown, some resources of the central portion210 of the spectrum 200 are used for LTE physical downlink controlchannel (PDCCH) signal and LTE physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)signal. In this example, sets of resources 215 of the central portion210 of the spectrum 200 that are not used for LTE PDCCH or LTE PDSCH aredynamically allocated for NR signal.

There may be resource elements (REs) within the sets of resources 215that carry LTE reference signal. The RE locations within the sets ofresources 215 may vary based on an LTE common reference signal (CRS)pattern associated with one or multiple antenna ports used to transmitthe LTE reference signal(s). FIGS. 3A-3C are diagrams of RE locationsused to carry LTE reference signal for different antenna patterns. Insome embodiments, NR synchronization signal (SS) blocks 225 arecommunicated in the outer portions 220 of the spectrum 200. Inparticular, FIG. 3A is a diagram of an LTE CRS pattern 310 for LTEantenna port #1, FIG. 3B is a diagram of an LTE CRS pattern 320 for LTEantenna port #2, and FIG. 3C is a diagram of an LTE CRS pattern 330 forLTE antenna port #4. It should be appreciated that the LTE CRS patterns310, 320, 330 represent a few examples of the possible LTE CRS patterns,and that different LTE antenna ports (e.g., antenna port #0, antennaport #3, antenna port #5, . . . antenna port #22, etc.) may beassociated with different CRS antenna patterns.

In some embodiments, NR UEs and/or NR access points may perform ratematching in sets of resources 215 of the central portion 210 of thespectrum 200 that are dynamically allocated for NR signal to compensatefor resources that carry LTE control or reference signal. Rate matchingmay be performed by increasing the coding rate on remaining resources tocompensate for blanking, or otherwise not transmitting/receiving NRsignal(s), over a subset of resources that carry LTE signal(s).Moreover, the fact that resources in the central portion 210 of thespectrum 200 are used to carry NR data and/or control channels may betransparent to LTE UEs.

Although much of this disclosure discusses embodiment techniques thatallow an NR UE to receive an NR downlink signal or channel over unusedresources of an LTE subframe, it should be appreciated that thoseembodiment techniques can be adapted for use in other types of networksas well. FIG. 4 is a diagram of a spectrum 400 configured for thecoexistence of air interfaces associated with two different networktypes. In particular, the spectrum 400 includes a central portion 410and two outer portions. 420. The outer portions 420 of the spectrum 400are statically allocated for downlink signal associated with a firstnetwork type. The central portion 410 of the spectrum 400 is licensedfor downlink signal of a second network type that is different than thefirst network type. Semi-static or dynamic resizing of the centralportion of the bandwidth associated with the second network type is alsopossible in some embodiments. As shown, some resources of the centralportion 410 of the spectrum 400 are used for control signal of thesecond network type, and other resources of the central portion 410 ofthe spectrum are used for data signal of the second network type. Inthis example, sets of resources 415 of the central portion 410 of thespectrum 400 that are not used for data or control signal of the secondnetwork type are dynamically allocated for downlink signal of the firstnetwork type.

Similar to the NR/LTE specific embodiments discussed above, there may beREs within the sets of resources 415 that carry reference and/or controlsignal for the second network type. Those locations of the resourceswithin the sets of resources 415 that carry reference signal of thesecond network type may vary based on a network parameter associatedwith the second network type, and it may be beneficial to notify UEsassociated with the first network type of this parameter so that theycan avoid processing REs carrying signal associated with the secondnetwork type when receiving a downlink signal associated with the firstnetwork type. In some embodiments, synchronization signal 425 for thesecond network type is communicated in the outer portions 420 of thespectrum 400. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment method 500 fortransmitting or receiving an NR signal over LTE resources, as may beperformed by a UE. At step 510, the UE receives NR control signalindicating an LTE network parameter. At step 520, the UE determines asubset of resources carrying, or otherwise reserved for, LTE signal(s)based on the LTE network parameter. At step 530, the UE transmits orreceives an NR signal over one or more remaining resources in a set ofresources allocated to the UE without transmitting the NR signal, orotherwise processing, the subset of resources carrying, or otherwisereserved for, the LTE signal(s).

In some embodiments, an LTE subframe will include an LTE enhanced PDCCH(ePDCCH). The LTE ePDCCH may be similar to the LTE PDCCH, except thatthe LTE PDCCH may be time division duplexed (TDD) with the LTE PDSCH andthe LTE ePDCCH may be frequency division duplexed (FDD) with the LTEPDSCH. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a spectrum 600 configured for thecoexistence of NR and LTE air interfaces. Similar to FIG. 2, a centralportion 610 of the spectrum 600 is licensed for LTE signal(s), and outerportions 620 of the spectrum 600 are statically allocated for NR signal.In some embodiments the size of the central portion of the bandassociated with LTE may be statically, semi-statically or dynamicallyresized based on the expected load of the LTE network. In this example,resources of the central portion 610 of the spectrum 600 are used forLTE PDCCH signal, LTE ePDCCH signal, and LTE PDSCH signal. Additionally,sets of resources 615 of the central portion 610 of the spectrum 600that are not used for LTE PDCCH, LTE ePDCCH, or LTE PDSCH signal aredynamically allocated for NR signal.

In some embodiments, LTE resources and NR resources are multiplexed inthe frequency domain. In such embodiments, the spectrum allocation forLTE/NR resources can be updated dynamically and/or semi-statically. FIG.7 is a diagram of a spectrum 700 in which different frequency domainresources are allocated to the NR and LTE air interfaces. As shown, thespectrum allocation for LTE and NR air interfaces is updated at a firsttime interval (t₁) such that at least some frequency sub-bands arere-allocated from the LTE air interface to the NR air interface. At asecond time interval (t₂), those frequency sub-bands are allocated backto the LTE air interface.

In other embodiments, LTE resources and NR resources are multiplexed inthe time domain. FIG. 8 is a diagram of a spectrum 800 in whichdifferent time domain resources are allocated to the NR and LTE airinterfaces. In this example, orthogonal frequency division multiplexed(OFDM) symbols are semi-statically allocated to the LTE and NR airinterfaces. In other examples, OFDM symbols are dynamically allocated tothe LTE and NR air interfaces. FIG. 9 is a diagram of a spectrum 900 inwhich different time domain resources are allocated to the NR and LTEair interfaces. In this example, OFDM symbols are dynamically allocatedto the LTE and NR air interfaces on a symbol-by-symbol basis.

In some embodiments, different length time transmission intervals (TTIs)are used to transmit LTE and/or NR signal(s). FIG. 10 is a diagram of aspectrum 1000 in which different length TTIs are used to transmit LTEand/or NR signal(s). In this example, a long TTI is used to transmitsignal over a portion 1010 of the spectrum 1000, a medium TTI is used totransmit signal over a portion 1020 of the spectrum 1000, and a shortTTI is used to transmit signal over a portion 1030 of the spectrum 1000.The medium TTI may be the TTI length used in legacy 4G LTE networks.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a spectrum 1130 configured for the coexistenceof NR and LTE air interfaces. As shown, the spectrum 1130 is thesummation of center frequencies 1110 licensed for LTE signal(s) andouter frequencies 1120 licensed for NR signal. In this example, thecenter frequencies 1110 and the outer frequencies 1120 are separated bythe LTE receiver using a band-pass filter.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a spectrum 1230 configured for the coexistenceof NR and LTE air interfaces. As shown, the spectrum 1230 is thesummation of center frequencies 1210 licensed for LTE signal(s) andouter frequencies 1220 licensed for NR signal. In this example, guardbands 1231, 1239 separate the center frequencies 1210 from the outerfrequencies 1120.

Co-existence with LTE can be transparent to NR UEs not scheduled intothe LTE region. Only NR UEs scheduled in the LTE regions need to besignaled in order to avoid CRS signal(s). The NR UEs can also takeadvantage of a flexible starting time of NR sub-frame in order to avoidan LTE control region at the beginning of an LTE sub-frame.

In some embodiments, NR networks may support software defined airinterfaces that can be dynamically tailored to support diverse traffictypes in order to balance latency and dynamic control signal overhead.In some embodiments, NR and LTE air interfaces may have intra-carriercoexistence such that the respective air interfaces are used totransport data over the same carrier frequency. The existence of the NRair interface may be transparent to LTE UEs. In some embodiments, NRAPs/UEs may perform rate matching over resources in an LTE subframe thatare dynamically allocated for NR signal to avoid interference with LTEreference and control signal.

FDM-based LTE/NR coexistence schemes may offer several benefits. Forexample, FDM-based LTE/NR coexistence schemes may permit flexiblefrequency-domain location of NR synchronization signal (SS) blocks andflexible time-domain starting point of NR sub-frames to avoid LTEcontrol regions. One or multiple NR SS blocks may carry primarysynchronization signal (PSS) symbols, secondary synchronization signal(SSS) symbols, and/or physical broadcast channel (PBCH). When multiplebeam directions are used, multiple NR SS blocks that include SS burstsmay be multiplexed over a group of resources. Also, with LTE signal(s)confined to the central portion of the spectrum, there may be little orno interference between LTE reference signal and NR SS blocks.Additional, FDM-based LTE/NR coexistence schemes may capitalize on theself-contained properties of NR unified soft-AI design where each partof the band can be flexibly configured with its own parameters, e.g., NRsignal can flexibly occupy any left-over bandwidth not used by LTE, etc.Further, FDM-based LTE/NR coexistence schemes may rely on F-OFDMwaveforms, rather than guard intervals and/or blanking of LTE signal(s).Additionally, FDM-based LTE/NR coexistence schemes may be transparent toNR UEs that are not scheduled in the central portion of the spectrum,e.g., the portion of the spectrum licensed for LTE signal(s).

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment processing system1300 for performing methods described herein, which may be installed ina host device. As shown, the processing system 1300 includes a processor1304, a memory 1306, and interfaces 1310-1314, which may (or may not) bearranged as shown in FIG. 33. The processor 1304 may be any component orcollection of components adapted to perform computations and/or otherprocessing related tasks, and the memory 1306 may be any component orcollection of components adapted to store programming and/orinstructions for execution by the processor 1304. A means forconfiguring a context for a UE may include processor 1304. In anembodiment, the memory 1306 includes a non-transitory computer readablemedium. The interfaces 1310, 1312, 1314 may be any component orcollection of components that allow the processing system 1300 tocommunicate with other devices/components and/or a user. For example,one or more of the interfaces 1310, 1312, 1314 may be adapted tocommunicate data, control, or management messages from the processor1304 to applications installed on the host device and/or a remotedevice. As another example, one or more of the interfaces 1310, 1312,1314 may be adapted to allow a user or user device (e.g., personalcomputer (PC), etc.) to interact/communicate with the processing system1300. The processing system 1300 may include additional components notdepicted in FIG. 13, such as long term storage (e.g., non-volatilememory, etc.).

In some embodiments, the processing system 1300 is included in a networkdevice that is accessing, or part otherwise of, a telecommunicationsnetwork. In one example, the processing system 1300 is in a network-sidedevice in a wireless or wireline telecommunications network, such as abase station, a relay station, a scheduler, a controller, a gateway, arouter, an applications server, or any other device in thetelecommunications network. In other embodiments, the processing system1300 is in a user-side device accessing a wireless or wirelinetelecommunications network, such as a mobile station, a user equipment(UE), a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a wearable communicationsdevice (e.g., a smartwatch, etc.), or any other device adapted to accessa telecommunications network.

In some embodiments, one or more of the interfaces 1310, 1312, 1314connects the processing system 1300 to a transceiver adapted to transmitand receive signal over the telecommunications network. FIG. 14illustrates a block diagram of a transceiver 1400 adapted to transmitand receive signal over a telecommunications network. The transceiver1400 may be installed in a host device. As shown, the transceiver 1400comprises a network-side interface 1402, a coupler 1404, a transmitter1406, a receiver 1408, a signal processor 1410, and a device-sideinterface 1412. The network-side interface 1402 may include anycomponent or collection of components adapted to transmit or receivesignal over a wireless or wireline telecommunications network. Thenetwork-side interface 1402 may also include any component or collectionof components adapted to transmit or receive signal over a short-rangeinterface. The network-side interface 1402 may also include anycomponent or collection of components adapted to transmit or receivesignal over a Uu interface. The coupler 1404 may include any componentor collection of components adapted for bi-directional communicationover the network-side interface 1402. The transmitter 1406 may includeany component or collection of components (e.g., up-converter, poweramplifier, etc.) adapted to convert a baseband signal into a modulatedcarrier signal suitable for transmission over the network-side interface1402. A means for transmitting an initial message of an access proceduremay include transmitter 1406. The receiver 1408 may include anycomponent or collection of components (e.g., down-converter, low noiseamplifier, etc.) adapted to convert a carrier signal received over thenetwork-side interface 1402 into a baseband signal. A means forreceiving mobile subscriber identifiers, initial downlink messages ofaccess procedures, and forwarded requests to connect to a network mayinclude receiver 1408.

The signal processor 1410 may include any component or collection ofcomponents adapted to convert a baseband signal into a data signalsuitable for communication over the device-side interface(s) 1412, orvice-versa. The device-side interface(s) 1412 may include any componentor collection of components adapted to communicate data signals betweenthe signal processor 1410 and components within the host device (e.g.,the processing system 1300, local area network (LAN) ports, etc.).

The transceiver 1400 may transmit and receive signal over any type ofcommunications medium. In some embodiments, the transceiver 1400transmits and receives signals over a wireless medium. For example, thetransceiver 1400 may be a wireless transceiver adapted to communicate inaccordance with a wireless telecommunications protocol, such as acellular protocol (e.g., long-term evolution (LTE), etc.), a wirelesslocal area network (WLAN) protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, etc.), or any othertype of wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, near field communication(NFC), etc.). In such embodiments, the network-side interface 1402comprises one or more antenna/radiating elements. For example, thenetwork-side interface 1402 may include a single antenna, multipleseparate antennas, or a multi-antenna array configured for multi-layercommunication, e.g., single input multiple output (SIMO), multiple inputsingle output (MISO), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), etc. Inother embodiments, the transceiver 1400 transmits and receives signalsover a wireline medium, e.g., twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable, opticalfiber, etc. Specific processing systems and/or transceivers may utilizeall of the components shown, or only a subset of the components, andlevels of integration may vary from device to device.

Although the claimed concepts have been described with reference toillustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to beconstrued in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations ofthe illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments, will beapparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to thedescription. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompassany such modifications or embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a UserEquipment (UE), a New Radio (NR) Radio Resource Control (RRC) signalindicating a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network parameter; and receiving,by the UE, an NR downlink signal over one or more resources in a set ofresources, the set of resources comprising a subset of resourcesreserved for an LTE signal indicated by the NR control signal, and theone or more resources excluding the subset of resources in the set ofresources.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of resourcesincludes at least some resources that are allocated to the UE.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the NR downlink signal is rate matched aroundthe subset of resources reserved for the LTE signal, and wherein the NRdownlink signal is rate matched at the resource element (RE) level suchthat the subset of resources around which the NR downlink signal is ratematched consists of an integer number of REs.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the LTE network parameter is an LTE antenna port, and the methodfurther comprises identifying the subset of resources reserved for theLTE signal based on an LTE cell-specific reference signal (CRS) patternassociated with the LTE antenna port.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe LTE network parameter is a frequency offset, and the method furthercomprises identifying the subset of resources reserved for the LTEsignal based on the frequency offset.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinthe frequency offset is associated with an LTE cell specific referencesignal (CRS).
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the LTE networkparameter is an LTE Multicast-Broadcast Single-Frequency Network (MBSFN)configuration, and the method further comprises identifying the subsetof resources reserved for the LTE signal based on an LTE subframeconfiguration indicated by the LTE MBSFN configuration.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein receiving the NR downlink signal comprises: receivingone or more NR downlink signals over the one or more resources, the oneor more NR downlink signals having zero power levels over the subset ofresources reserved for the LTE signal, wherein the one or more NRdownlink signals include an NR signal transmitted over a PhysicalDownlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).
 9. A User Equipment (UE) comprising: aprocessor; and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storingprogramming for execution by the processor, the programming includinginstructions to: receive a New Radio (NR) Radio Resource Control (RRC)signal indicating a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network parameter; andreceive an NR downlink signal over one or more resources in a set ofresources, the set of resources comprising a subset of resourcesreserved for an LTE signal indicated by the NR control signal, and theone or more resources excluding the subset of resources in the set ofresources.
 10. The UE of claim 9, wherein the set of resources includesat least some resources that are allocated to the UE.
 11. The UE ofclaim 9, wherein the NR downlink signal is rate matched around thesubset of resources reserved for the LTE signal, and wherein the NRdownlink signal is rate matched at the resource element (RE) level suchthat the subset of resources around which the NR downlink signal is ratematched consists of an integer number of REs.
 12. The UE of claim 9,wherein the LTE network parameter is an LTE antenna port, and theprogramming further includes instructions to identify the subset ofresources reserved for the LTE signal based on an LTE cell-specificreference signal (CRS) pattern associated with the LTE antenna port. 13.The UE of claim 9, wherein the LTE network parameter is a frequencyoffset, and the programming further includes instructions to identifythe subset of resources reserved for the LTE signal based on thefrequency offset.
 14. The UE of claim 13, wherein the frequency offsetis associated with an LTE cell specific reference signal (CRS).
 15. TheUE of claim 9, wherein the LTE network parameter is an LTEMulticast-Broadcast Single-Frequency Network (MBSFN) configuration, andthe programming further includes instructions to identify the subset ofresources reserved for the LTE signal based on an LTE subframeconfiguration indicated by the LTE MBSFN configuration.
 16. The UE ofclaim 9, wherein the instructions to receive the NR downlink signalinclude instructions to: receive one or more NR downlink signals overthe one or more resources, the one or more NR downlink signals havingzero power levels over the subset of resources reserved for the LTEsignal, wherein the one or more NR downlink signals include an NR signaltransmitted over a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).
 17. Amethod comprising: receiving, by a User Equipment (UE), a New Radio (NR)Radio Resource Control (RRC) signal indicating a frequency offsetbetween a Long Term Evolution (LTE) subcarrier frequency alignment andan NR subcarrier frequency alignment; and transmitting, by the UE, an NRuplink signal over one or more resources in a set of resources accordingto the LTE subcarrier frequency alignment, the set of resourcescomprising a subset of resources reserved for an LTE signal indicated bythe NR control signal, the subset of resources reserved for the LTEsignal corresponding to the LTE subcarrier frequency alignment, and theone or more resources excluding the subset of resources in the set ofresources.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more resourcesfor the NR uplink signal and the subset of resources reserved for theLTE signal are frequency division multiplexed (FDM).
 19. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising adjusting the NR subcarrier frequencyalignment of the NR uplink signal according to the indicated frequencyoffset.
 20. A User Equipment (UE) comprising: a processor; and anon-transitory computer readable storage medium storing programming forexecution by the processor, the programming including instructions to:receive a New Radio (NR) Radio Resource Control (RRC) signal indicatinga frequency offset between a Long Term Evolution (LTE) subcarrierfrequency alignment and an NR subcarrier frequency alignment; andtransmit an NR uplink signal over one or more resources in a set ofresources according to the LTE subcarrier frequency alignment, the setof resources comprising a subset of resources reserved for an LTE signalindicated by the NR control signal, the subset of resources reserved forthe LTE signal corresponding to the LTE subcarrier frequency alignment,and the one or more resources excluding the subset of resources in theset of resources.
 21. The UE of claim 20, wherein the one or moreresources for the NR uplink signal and the subset of resources reservedfor the LTE signal are frequency division multiplexed (FDM).
 22. The UEof claim 20, wherein the programming further includes instructions toadjust the NR subcarrier frequency alignment of the NR uplink signalaccording to the indicated frequency offset.